This event on Friday, March 22, 2013, featuring retired NASA astronaut Col. Jerry Ross as keynote speaker, was a benefit for the Northeast Texas Child Advocacy Center. For more information and how to donate to this worthy cause, go to the NETCAC Web site:

The preview article about this event in The Gilmer (Texas) Mirror by Richard Laster, pastor of the First United Methodist Church of Gilmer, read as follows:

On Friday at 6:30 p.m. the NETCAC Gilmer Volunteer Chapter will have the honor of hosting a genuine American hero. Col. Jerry Ross, USAF Retired, an American astronaut, will be in town as the keynote speaker at a dinner event benefiting the Northeast Texas Child Advocacy Center. Col. Ross' career with NASA coincides with the Space Shuttle program.

Among other claims to fame he was the first person in history to be launched into space seven times, a record he holds with only one other person, a fellow NASA astronaut. Col. Ross' time spent on spacewalks has only recently been surpassed.

He will address the audience on the history of the Space Shuttle program as well as share some personal insights concerning his time in service in the United States Air Force in general and NASA in specific.

Col Ross has recently penned an autobiography, My Journey in Space and Faith as NASA's Record-Setting Frequent Flyer, which will be available for signatures at the event. Jerry is an active member of the Friendswood United Methodist Church.

EVENT DETAILS

Northeast Texas Child Advocacy Center dinner featuring Col. Jerry Ross, NASA astronaut as guest speaker. The location will be in the Fellowship Hall of First United Methodist Church of Gilmer, 105 N. Montgomery.

The Friday, March 22 dinner will begin at 6:30 p.m. Ticket price which include fried fish and the trimmings, are as follows: $15 for one, $25 for a couple, $40 for a family of up to four.

Participants will have the opportunity to purchase chances on a $500 bracelet, courtesy of Zales Jewelry, or four hours of flight time with local pilot Frank Breazeale, also a $500 value. Both have a 1 in 200 opportunity to win.

Tickets are available from various NETCAC volunteers, at Gilmer Drug, at the Gilmer branch of Austin Bank, by contacting Richard Laster at pastorlaster@etex.net or by calling Richard at 903-843-2610.